Tiong slams contractor over flood mismanagement

BINTULU: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing has criticised contracting companies for lack of responsibility in managing flood control projects.

The Bintulu MP expressed his disappointment, stating that careful and meticulous execution could have prevented flash floods in several areas.

He stressed the urgency of addressing the situation, especially considering the recurrent nature of flash floods, which adversely affect the lives and well-being of the local community.

“The flash flood issues often arise due to poorly functioning drainage systems and shallow construction, causing residents to suffer both financially and emotionally.

“Frequently, the government has had to clean up the mess left by these irresponsible contractors!” he said in a Facebook post.

He noted that in a series of recent meetings, he had opposed the rushed implementation of flood control projects, citing flaws in the design and lack of careful planning.

He criticised the contractor for its negligence, particularly in areas such as Sibu Road, where residents continue to face the brunt of flash floods due to what he perceives as the contractor’s oversight.

“Despite progress in flood control projects in Bintulu in recent years, issues persist on Sibu Road solely due to contractor negligence.

“Residents of Bintulu have faced flash floods repeatedly, highlighting the contractor’s failure in building an effective drainage system.

“Despite the ongoing issues, the involved contractors show no remorse and continue to boast about their professionalism, disregarding the problems with their designs,” he said.

As such, Tiong stressed the need for the Sarawak government to hold these companies accountable for their projects, urging them to demand professionalism and diligence.

Otherwise, he asserted, not only will the people suffer, but the government will bear the consequences of their negligence.

On the same note, Tiong said the drainage system behind Boulevard Shopping Center is incapable of handling sudden water level increases, mainly due to the existing pump station being too small.

Therefore, he urged the Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) to install a larger pump station with a diameter of at least one metre to direct water directly to the sea.

“All relevant departments will hold meetings shortly to address the issues mentioned.

“Simultaneously, I remind these departments not to underestimate public projects awarded to private companies, regardless of their scale.

“If they must entrust public projects to private companies, they must supervise and monitor to prevent contractors from acting recklessly, causing defects in the project and doubling the government’s and people’s expenses,” he stressed.